Major Knitter

Why I Love a Good Commute

Every time I take the train into the city, I have the same reaction.  I miss my commute.  Not because I love spending time on the train with thousands of people I don't know (and therefore thousands of potential new best friends), but because of the quality knitting time.  I didn't have the right WIP to take with me on the train (the Scandinavian Mittens, while the right size, tend to shed with the white fuzzy yarn and the alpaca, too.  The Baby Blanket didn't fit inside my purse.  So, I decided to do the only rational thing I could.  I started a new project.

I cast on 64 sts on a US Size 1 Turbo Addis (Magic Loop method) and began knitting my Knitting Central Sock Club Socks that just arrived in the mail.  You can barely make out the pattern, but it's very nice.  This is going to be an easy sock to knit up as I've already memorized the repeats.  But those other projects do beg for my attention, so I dont' think this will get my undivided attention.  It will be good transportation knitting, though and I definitely will need a lot of that in the very near future. 

Scandinavian Mitten Smorgasborg

Today was the last of the three-part class on the Scandinavian Mitten at Knitting Central.  We had a great time and all made significant progress on our mittens.

Impressive, huh?  Thanks Sally for such a fun class.  I hope to make some more of these mittens in the future.  I think they'll make great gifts. 

Knitting Central Sock Club Skip Along Socks

My February socks arrived in the mail yesterday.  I was so excited to see the return address - Knitting Central.  I could scarcely believe it was already time for the next socks - especially since I never managed to knit Lynn's lovely Bed Socks (they arrived December 1st during the holiday knitting frenzy). 

George is holding the yarn and Laura Eckel's pattern for the Skip Along Socks.  The yarn is Mountain Color's Bearfoot.  I received the Indian Corn colorway.  It's scrumptious.  The best part is that I also have a skein of Steelhead from last summer in a blue/green/purple colorway.  This might just be a double sock once again.  Cynthia always includes a little gift in each package.  This time our gift was a Mini Bamboo Crochet Hook by KA.

Since I only have 2 pairs of socks on the needles right now (the neverending Almost Argyles in red Lorna's Laces and the steel gray Lobster Pot sleeping socks for BF), I could understandably cast on for a third pair of socks without raising any eyebrows, right?

I'm Done With My Homework

Teacher!  I've finished my homework for class on Wednesday.  I've finished the thumb gusset and knit the hand on my Scandinavian Mitten that Sally is teaching at my LYS - Knitting Central.  It's a great mitten and lots of fun to knit.

Here's the front with the snowflake pattern on the front.  Hmmmm.  I think I see a mistake on the zig-zag pattern on the right hand side.  C'est la vie.

Here's the palm with the thumb gusset on a piece of scrap yarn just waiting to learn the thumb technique as well as the hand decrease.  Hopefully, I'll be able to finish this one on Wednesday.  In the meantime, I hope to get my extra credit finished.  That is to say, I hope to make significant progress on the left hand mitten.  I'm getting much better at the two color knitting, but as you can see the bottom of the mitten is looser than the top.  I'm sure it will be fine on the finished mitten.

Continued Progress on the DK Weight Baby Blanket

I've made more progress on the navy blue Sirdar Snuggly DK weight Oh So Soft Baby Blanket.  I'm really enjoying knitting up this easy and lovable blanket.

I have used 2 full skeins of the Sirdar Snuggly and it's approximately 12 inches tall.  I think all-in-all it will be about 36 x 36 when it's done.  You can see it compared to the original Oh So Soft Baby Blanket in the two strands of baby yarn on US Size 13 needles.  Here's a close-up of the baby blanket:

I'm not rushing through this project, but it's a mindless one to knit, so it's easy to take to a place where I want to knit and chat.  I'm still a bit jetlagged, so I haven't finished my mitten homework.  I should probably get working on that, though.

De-Mystifying the Magic Loop

If you haven't seen it yet, click HERE for Knit Pick's great online tutorial on the Magic Loop method.  Great stuff!

Blog Every Day and You, Too, May Win!

Remember way back in November when I participated in NaBloPoMo?  Well, I won a prize from Melle.  She made me a customized Sock Monkey and it arrived today in the mail. 

I've never owned a Sock Monkey before and this one is just dandy.  Thanks so much Melle.  I'm so impressed with the construction of the Sock Monkey and your handiwork.  The colors are beautiful and the buttons are the perfect accent!  I'm so happy to own my very first Sock Monkey... and me, a mere 40-something-year-old.

Traveling Progress

I worked on the Oh So Soft Baby Blanket while in Brazil.  Here are some pictures of my traveling knitting.

Here I am on the observation deck of the tower in Brasilia. 

My knitting likes heights apparently.  Here we are in the helicopter tourist tour of Brasilia.  This was an interesting trip since Brasilia was designed in the shape of an airplane.  Here's the city map.  It's hard to tell... but if you're good, you can just pick out the airplane.  Here's a hint... the center column is the cockpit, fuselage and tail of the plane.  The heavily built-out areas on the left and the right are the wings - or residential areas.  Check out more information about Brasilia here.

 

Please disregard my vacation hair.  The change in water, humidity and hair dryers always figure into hair styling while on the road.  Do you ever suffer from vacation hair?

Sally's Scandinavian Mittens - Class Two

Today was my second class for the Scandinavian Mitten at my LYS - Knitting Central.  BF and I have been out of town all week and I flew home just for this class.  It was definitely worth the red-eye. Sally taught us how to make the thumb gusset on our mittens.

Here's the palm of the glove with the design and the thumb.

Here's the right side with the star design.

Sally has already finished the right hand and is working on the left hand.  Here's where I was at the end of today's class.

• US Size 3 dpns
• 1 skein - Great Adirondock Yarn Company - Kiki Peacock
• 1 skein - Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca Brush - Color 1000 (white) - it's wonderfully soft and fluffy for extra nice mittens. 

Girly Girl

It's time for your weekly dose of Wilma-goodness.  Yahoo published an article recently stating that Bulldogs are back in the top ten breeds of dogs.  I can see why.

Primogeniture and Wilma had some quality wrestling time together.

Progress on the DK Weight Baby Blanket

Yeah.  I've knit about another 1-2 inches.  Whoopee!  I can tell you're very excited.

It's almost time to add a garter stitch and eyelet stripe.  I am quite pleased with the way it's turning out, but since I only have 6 skeins of yarn, I still have no idea what shape this might be upon completion.  I think I'll have a better idea after 2 skeins are used.  Right now I'm nearly finished with the first skein.  I believe the seed stitch border eats up more yarn than the stockinette.  That's why I want to have 2 skeins used before I feel I can accurately judge the dimensions.  Regardless of whether it's a square or a rectangle, I'm sure it will be well-loved. 

Some Things Are Better Left Undone

BF and I went to our local gourmet grocery store  - Balducci's - for breakfast this morning.  We gave it mixed reviews.

On the plus side, they serve Illy Cafe - so what could be better, I ask you?!.  On the downside, everything at Balducci's is gourmet.  Unfortunately, there are some things in life that just shouldn't be made in a gourmet fashion.  An Egg McMuffin is one of them.  Sure we had delicious English muffins, finest quality eggs, cheese that was to-die-for and scrumptous smoked bacon... but somehow it was too much.  I must admit we probably would have been better off with an Egg McMuffin at McD's.  I'll stick to Balducci's for the coffee, though.  I also enjoy their soup and salad bar at lunch.  Of course, their gourmet prepared food for take-out or catering it out of this world.  So go there for gourmet... not fast food. 

Facehugger

My friends are always looking out for me.  Adam and Erika, who were visiting us last weekend, have become subscribers to my RSS.  It's always funny when I find a friend, and non-knitter, who is a regular reader.  It's a very nice surprise.  Here's the best part.  Adam sent me this link to Facehugger.  How cute is that?  I also discovered that there is a whole group on Flickr for Knitted Toys. 

Thanks Adam for the link.  Lord only knows what kind of Knitted Toy I'll come up with. 

Scandinavian Mitten Swatch

I started my swatch for the Scandinavian Mitten on a US Size 2 dpn because I go down a size on everything I knit.  Unfortunately, my swatch is already too small.  I think I'll have to make another swatch with the US Size 3 afterall.  I already started the cuff in the K2, P2 ribbing on the US Size 3s.

Here are some close-ups of my swatch:

Here's the front.

And here's the back.  I love the pattern.  I'm going to make another swatch and see how it compares.   

Comfort Cap Progress

I'm working on the chemo cap for my sister's friend.  I found this soft chenille in my stash and some US Size 6 needles.  I'm making a very basic cap as I don't know anything about this friend's tastes.  So, it's 72 sts in a K2, P2 rib for just 2 inches and then stockinette until the entire piece measure 6 inches from cast on edge.  Then I'll start the decreases.  I hope it turns out nicely.

The Chemo Cap is resting gently on top of one of my favorite knitting bags.  It was a gift from my Secret Pal (5?) - Stacey of Sheep in the City.  She mixed fall foliage with camouflage and knitting lingo (on the inside pocket) plus some beads that spell out M-A-J-O-R  K-N-I-T-T-E-R.  It's such a wonderful bag and it was a great way to meet Stacey.  Do you have a favorite item from a Secret Pal?

DK Weight Baby Blanket

I cast on 160 sts on a US Size 7 rosewood circular needle.  I have six skeins of the Sirdar Snuggly.  I hope it will be enough.  If not, my blanket will be more square than rectangular.  That's a good thing about baby blankets - they really fit no matter what.

Here are my thoughts on making this Oh So Soft Baby Blanket in the DK weight (and with a single strand).

• Very soft
• Fine knit
• Nice gauge
• S-L-O-W knit

That last part isn't really fair.  I am Ms. Immediate Gratification, so this blanket takes a normal amount of time to knit.  I knit up the super quick yellow Oh So Soft Baby Blanket on US Size 13 needles with two strands of DK weight yarn in about 12 hours.  This blanket is single stranded on needles half the size with twice as many stitches.  Any Math-Knit-ician can figure out that this blanket should take twice as long to knit - or 24 hours.  Not bad, right?  Except that since it's a smaller needle, I will knit slower due to the finer motor skills needed.  I am certain that I can knit this blanket in under 30 hours, but I'm not certain I want to.  Uh Oh.  Already committed.  Not much else I can do except knit.  Plus, I've got a lot of plane rides coming up in the next few months, so it will be a good traveling companion.  It won't become priority knitting, but it will be worked on regularly. 

What do you think?  Do you like speed, quality, design or comfort?  What's the number one factor when you pick out a pattern?

Music to a Mother's Ear

Today was Secundogeniture's first orchestra concert at school.  It was lovely.  You know, in the way that only a Mother can appreciate.  All his buddies are playing the cello this year.  Why?  Because one of the boys' older brother played cello last year and told everyone how much fun it is to whack your brother with a cello.  Sigh!

Fortunately, no brothers have been whacked with a cello (to my knowledge).

Scandinavian Mitten Class at my LYS

Today was the first of a three part class to learn how to knit these lovely Scandinavian Mittens at my LYS - Knitting Central.  Sally Ijams taught the class and I'm thrilled to be knitting these adorable mittens.  Here's Sally's sample

Sally knit these on US Size 3 needles with one skein of Plymouth Yarn - Baby Alpaca Brush in Color 1000 (white) and some Sirdar Balmoral DK Natural Tweed from her stash in the gray.  The Baby Alpaca Brush makes these mittens so soft and furry on the inside.  I can hardly wait to finish these puppies.

I've just started a Knitting Central fan club Group on Ravelry.  If you are a customer or fan of the wonderful things at Westport's Knitting Central - please join Knitting Central Knitters today.  Post all your pictures of projects or classes from our friendly LYS.  It will be fun to see everyone's work in one place. 

I know.  You're wondering about my other WIPs and UFOs (I might have to start calling FO's "Forgotten Objects").  I have several to work on.  The Pixie Jacket for a 6-9 month old baby; the Chemo Cap for my sister's friend; the cashmere socks for BF; the Newfoundland Mitts Revisited; and so on and so forth...

ABC Along

This is my first time participating in Vicki's ABC-Along 2008.  I thought that I'd start with the ABC Crayons & Chalkboard vest that is Abandoned. 

I think I know why this vest has been abandoned.  I'm loathe to ever say anything negative - let alone on the blog, but I believe that the pattern is poorly written.  It's fine if you're a Fair Isle wiz... but if you need clear instructions (like me) - this is what you get:  "Consult knitting reference books for steek stitching methods, or do an online search for further instructions"  Excuse me?  That's not very helpful at all.  Forget the fact that I bought the pattern - and then more reference books, videos, took a class, etc.  Sigh.  I'm not the only one who abandoned this project.  Check out Ravelry

Knitting On Demand

By now you probably know that I hate knitting on demand.  It makes it very difficult for me to complete a project when I HAVE to knit.  I like to knit wily-nily whatever comes to mind.  I often switch mid-project to move on to the next lovely fibre.  But today I'm going to be knitting on demand.  Why?  Because my sister asked me.  One of her dear friends is going through chemo and has lost her hair.  So Ellen asked if I wouldn't mind (even though she knows I don't Knit-on-Demand) making one or two chemo caps for her friend.  Since she asked me, I will.  I need to knit something in either black or red.  Let me go see what I can find in the stash.

Quickest Baby Blanket Ever!

The reason I like the Oh So Soft Baby Blanket is that it knits up so quickly.  You hold two strands of yarn together at the same time and knit it on very large needles.  It's done in no time at all.  In fact, I finished this entire blanket in about 12 hours.  I believe I knit rather quickly, so I would allow 16 hours of solid knitting time to have this finished.  If you only knit a few hours per day, you could easily finish this in a week.

Since I was in a hurry and grabbed the US Size 13 circular bamboo needles instead of the recommended US Size 15 it's a bit skinnier than the original dimensions.  Although truthfully, for the 20 or more that I've made of these, I've often switched between the two sizes.  Here's a small Curious George next to the finished blanket.

Here's the finished blanket spread out over Curious George's lap in my Knit Nook.  You can see that there are four full stockinette panels, 5 garter and eyelet repeats and two half stockinette panels (one on each end).  You can alter the pattern to fit your needs. 

For this particular blanket I ended up altering the pattern as follows

• US Size 13 circular needles
• 1 skein Red Heart Soft Baby powder yellow (color #7321)
• 2 skeins Caron Simply Soft white (color #9701)

Knitting Math

It's late.  I'm tired.  I can't even do my simple knitting math.  After my last post, I ran to the Knit Nook and looked at the navy blue Sirdar Snuggly yarn I purchased for a generic baby blanket several years ago from my LYS - Knitting Central.  I have six skeins (or 300 grams).  I should have enough to make a lovely baby blanket.  I decided to knit a swatch to see how many stitches I would need to cast on.  Here's my swatch.

I used US Size 7 rosewood circular needles and cast on 20 sts.  My swatch is 4 inches wide.  After many deep breaths (to clear the cobwebs out of my sleepy brain) I realized that if I wanted to make this blanket the same dimensions as the original Oh So Soft Baby Blanket I would need to cast on 160 sts.  Will it work?  Can I simply double all the numbers in the original pattern and make this work using the single strand of DK weight yarn?  I think I'll give it a try.  You know, because I have other things I should be knitting.  But this has distracted me.  Bright shiny object.  Twinkle.  Sparkle.  Distract.

Driven to Distraction

DThey say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.  Well, I can't tell you how tickled I was to discover that there has been some traction with my Free Baby Blanket pattern - Oh So Soft Baby Blanket.  In fact, it's got a file on Ravelry.  I found this, quite by accident, while surfing my bloglines favorites and came across Dani's Blog - Yea I Knit.  I noticed the blanket and had a slight delay before it dawned on me that she was making my pattern.  Smile.  Little jump for joy.  I decided that I would knit up another OSS Baby Blanket.  I was heading to the movies, so I grabbed the first pair of bamboo circular needles I found and left.  In the end, I had a US Size 13 instead of the 15 recommended - but it doesn't really matter.  My blanket will be slightly smaller, but it will still by soft and fluffy (the double yarn and the extra large needles makes this blanket extra comfy).  BTW, in the end, I did not knit while at Atonement.  It's probably just as well.  I don't think I could have knit and wiped my eyes dry at the same time.  I always bawl at movies.  Don't worry - that's not giving anything away.  I bawl at Hallmark commercials and Disney movies, too.   

Last night, our friends Adam and Erika joined us for game night.  Adam is Anglo-Polish and got us hooked on this great game which his family calls Polish Poker (also called Polish Hearts and Kierki.)  We played for several hours while I tried to make progress on my Oh So Soft Baby Blanket.  I used US size 13 circular needles and 2 skeins Red Heart Soft Baby powder yellow (color #7321) and 2 skeins Caron Simply Soft white (color #9701).  I decided to see how quickly I could knit this up and after one day, I am halfway done.  I have probably knit for 4-5 hours so far.

If you make this blanket, you can use any yarn.  In fact, I have some lovely yarn for a smaller car seat blanket that I bought a few years ago.  I might make one using a single strand of that yarn and US Size 6-8 needles.  Hmmmm.  I think I should go knit up a swatch now.  Ooops.  There I go again - driven to distraction.  It's a wonder I finish anything. 

Purple Newfoundland Mitts

I made some headway on the purple mittens yesterday while watching a classic movie - From Here to Eternity

This scene might explain while I only managed to knit a little bit

Here's the close up of the special effect

I am really enamored of this pattern - Newfoundland Mitts Revisited.  Maybe you'll want to make a pair, too.

The Pictures Are In! The Pictures Are In!

I just got the pictures from this past weekend from Cynthia.  Go check them out here.  I'm so happy.

Green Machine

First of all, let me say a huge Thank You to everyone who sent me links or references to their favorite mitten patterns.  What a resource you all are!  I am going to try several of your suggestions and discover which is my personal favorite.  In the meantime, let me show you the finished green children's mittens

I already cast on for my second pair of mittens.  This time I'm using some gorgeous variegated purple Misti Alpaca from String of Purls.  I purchased this in the summer when I was in Omaha.  I found a great pattern that I'll be sharing with you.  It pairs one skein of variegated with one solid color of worsted weight yarn to get a great color design.  It's sort of a mix between a honeycomb and a fair isle technique.  It's lovely.  Here are my color choices.  I bought the two skeins of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran at Knitting Central yesterday to coordinate with my lovely variegated yarn.  I think they'll make lovely mittens.  I can hardly wait to finish them!

Cocoa Michelle

This is my new favorite spot in Westport.  I love chocolate, so what's not to like.  Cocoa Michelle sells high-end handmade gourmet chocolates.  There is also an espresso bar with breakfast treats (scones and the like) and a lovely quiet seating area.  I met some friends there today.  BF and I went for the first time about a week ago.  It's also become my must-have hostess gift source.  When BF and I went, we had the dark chocolate covered homemade marshamallows with our espresso and latte.  H.E.A.V.E.N.  I swear.

The homemade marshmallows come in two varieties - the first is the dark chocolate covered white marshmallow.  The second is the white chocolate covered chocolate marshmallow.  I'm hooked on the first one.  Yummy.

I took the bag of scrumptious chocolates to my friend's house as a hostess gift.  I even added one of my handknit ornaments which complemented the Cocoa Michelle colors nicely. 

This is what is inside the gift bag. 

Convinced?  I thought so.  You can get your own delectable chocolates here.

Cocoa Michelle
190 Main Street
Westport, Connecticut 06880
T: 203.221.0002
F: 203.221.0003
info@cocoamichelle.com

Green Glove

Today I went to the Assumption Parish Prayer Shawl Ministry.  I haven't been since the first session in September of this school year.  At that meeting we had talked about knitting hats, mittens and gloves for those in need.  Here's my green glove.  OK.  I know it's a mitten, but green glove just sounds better.  I found this in the Easy Knitting magazine which I took with me to knit up the ear flap hat.  Instead, I made this.  I found the pattern to be hard to follow.  It tried to be all things to all knitters.  I ended up with the feeling, you can please some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the knitters all of the time. 

Here's the finished child's mitten.  The thumb is a little funny looking.

Secundogeniture modeled the mitten, despite the fact that he already wears an adult size glove.  He liked it, though, and requestd some hand-made mittens by Mom.  That's a request this Mom can't refuse.  First I have to find a better pattern.  I have an old favorite from way back when in my files.  I also bought a mitten book earlier this fall.  I'll give it a try.  In the meantime, I need to go cast on for the second mitten now so it doesn't get forgotten.

Do you have a favorite link to a free mitten pattern?

How Many Stitches Are There in a Pair of Socks?

That was the question I asked on December 27th.  Many of you guessed.  Many of you calculated.  You didn't have any details other than the yarn I used, a photograph, and the size needles I used.  Just the same you came through and participated in my contest.  Thanks to all who joined in the fun. 

Here are the details:

• Lobster Pot Cashmere
• US Size 5 Turbo Addis
• K1,P1 ribbing then basic sock in stockinette pattern
• Magic Loop method
• CO 40 sts
• Cuff - 40 x 7 rds = 280 sts
• Leg - 40 x 40 rds = 1,600 sts
• Heel Flap - 20 x 20 rows = 400 sts
• Turn Heel - total of 63 sts
• Gusset - 52 x 3 = 156 sts
• Gusset - 50 x 2 = 100 sts
• Gusset - 48 x 2 = 96 sts
• Gusset - 46 x 2 = 92 sts
• Gusset - 44 x 2 = 88 sts
• Gusset - 40 x 2 = 80 sts
• Foot - 40 x 31 rds = 1,240 sts
• Toe - 40 x 4 = 160 sts
• Toe - 36 x 2 = 72 sts
• Toe - 28 x 2 = 56 sts
• Toe - 24 x 2 = 48 sts
• Toe - 20 x 2 = 40
• Toe - 16 x 1 = 16
• SUB-TOTAL = 4,735 stitches per sock
• TOTAL = 9,470 stitches for both socks

It took me approximately 7 hours to complete both socks (yes, there were some delays, slow downs, rip outs, etc) but the average speed was 9,470 sts/420 minutes = 23 stitches per minute (s.p.m.)

For those of you who wanted me to test my speed knitting, you'll remember that I did a speedy swatch for a second pair of socks.  My racing speed on Magic Loop in stockinette with an inch of K1,P1 ribbing using the English method is 55 s.p.m.

 

So without further ado, here are the results of the contest.

• NUMBER OF STITCHES - Annie (no blog) guessed 4,700 per sock or 9,400 for both.  She'll win 2 skeins of navy blue Koigu KPM
• Technically, no one guessed the EXACT number of stitches per minute (either the average of 23 s.p.m. or the speedy 55 s.p.m) but being the good sport that I am, I will award yarn to both contestants who guessed closest to each number of stitches per minute.
• AVERAGE S.P.M. - Kim W (no blog) guessed 13.5 s.p.m. so she'll win one skein of the purple grey Sockotta.
• SPEEDY S.P.M. - Carolyn in NC (no blog) guessed 45 s.p.m. first, so she'll win one skein of sock yarn.  I hadn't anticipated this difference, so I'll be sending Carolyn a surprise skein from my yarn stash.

If you'd like to use my handy-dandy spreadsheet to figure out the number of stitches in your next pair of socks, feel freel to use this one.  Download number_of_stitches_in_a_sock.xls

Final Note - Please keep in mind that these were knit with worsted weight yarn.  When I knit with fingering weight yarn on US Size 1 needles, I don't even want to know how many stitches are in those socks.  I might as well knit a dress!

Do Nothing Campout

This weekend I took the Boy Scout Troop on our famous "Do Nothing Campout".  True to its name - I did nothing on this campout.  No knitting (except while waiting at the parking lot for everyone to arrive).  No photography (perhaps that was because I forgot the memory card at home.  D'oh!).  No hiking.  Just hanging out, stoking the fire, chatting, cooking, cleaning, sleeping and getting more firewood (at 4:15 a.m.).  The boys went sledding and had great fun in the snow.  Our newest Scout was an excellent chef.  He prepared a delectable menu with everything from roasted chestnuts, to watercress salad, steaks with parmesan olive oil mashed potatoes, garlic asparagus and hot pear sauce for dessert.  Yum!  Not a hot dog or s'mores in sight.  This was gourmet camping.  One of the other parents had a camera, so I hope to get some pictures to share with you.

P.S.  I just got the pictures from Cynthia.  Doesn't it look like a great campout?

Sledding in a foot of snow.

Chestnuts (on the left hand side in the tin foil) roasting on an open fire

Here's our gourmet meal - on a Boy Scout campout.  Not bad.  Not bad at all. 

Recent Knitting Books

I neglected to share with you some of my recent knitting book gifts.  I think they're all fantastic.  I can hardly wait to try some of the things inside.

Knit, Knit, Knit - I think I mentioned from our big annual holiday party at the Four Seasons.  The book in the cookbook stand is Kristen Knits.  It's a great book and I hope to find something in here that I will actually knit.  Most of the time I just look at patterns and set them aside.   This time, I'd really like to make something from a pattern book or magazine that is part of my knitting reference stash.  The cute little book on the right is Knitted Icons - a gift from BF.  It's hilarious.  If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend you peruse it cover-to-cover.  You'll laugh when you see all the artistic minds of knitting fans of Pop Culture meet in one book.  I might knit Elvis.  Maybe Madonna.  Mabye I'll knit BF (my own personal favorite Pop Culture icon).

While I'm decidicing which icon to knit, why don't you take your last shot at guessing how many stitches are in BF's sleeping socks.  The contest ends tomorrow night at midnight so leave your comment here. 

Cashmere Christmas Ornaments?

Why not?  OK.  Why?  Perhaps you have some leftover yarn from BF's socks and you want to immortalize his gifts by making miniature socks that will hopefully last from here to eternity.  I made miniature replicas of his sleeping socks.

This inspired me to take pictures of other tan and beige things in my neighborhood (see BF's hand sticking out by the cannon?)

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

I think BF deserves matching Christmas Ornaments for his sleeping socks.  Don't you?

Grandma Lois' Recipe Box

Kay made me do it.  When I saw her recipe box, it brought back wonderful memories.  The sense of taste is one of the strongest and it elicits many wonderful memories.  Isn't that why we all love the holiday cookies?

 

My own mother died when I was 28 years old and I realized that there were many things I never got to do, like gather her recipes.  I could always call her in the past.  So I spent about 6 months in 1995 begging my brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, cousins and even great aunts and uncles for family recipes.  I received so many wonderful family treasures - my great uncle even had transcribed my great grandmother's recipes from "a pinch of this and a handful of that" into standardized measurements.  I typed all the recipes into a cookbook during every free moment I had.  I typed recipes into my laptop on the R train during my evening commute from Midtown to the end of the line in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn every night.  I typed at home.  I typed on the morning commute back to Midtown.  I typed on the weekends.  I typed on my lunch hour.  I managed to take the family recipe box and create the Huffman Family Cookbook, making the family treasures available to the entire family.  Every one of my brothers and sisters and extended family received a copy of the cook book.  It's still my favorite to date.  The cookbook I put together is pictured above with the recipe box.  That's a picture of Grandma Lois and Grandpa Charlie during their wedding day on the cover of the cookbook.  Almost all of the recipes in my Recipe Photo Album are from the Huffman Family Cookbook.  Here are some pictures of the handwritten recipes

The top left is in my great-grandmother's handwriting.  The middle left recipe was my Mom's favorite cookie - The Uncooked Cookie.  The other two were Grandma Lois' recipes on cute cards from the 1970s. 

I'll never forget the first time I made Mom's Sunday Roast Beef Dinner.  It was spring 1995.  I was eating and started bawling at the table.  "This tastes so good.  I miss my Mommy".  I've never made it since... but at least I know I can, if I want to. 

Speaking of family recipes, here's a picture of my Grandma Grace's Krumkake Iron which I inherited.  I've never made them before, except the year Grandma showed me how to make them. 

I made them on New Year's Eve as our dessert.  They were a huge hit and they were a very happy visit with Grandma Grace (She's the one who taught me to knit).  Even though my Grandma was Irish, she was fond of these Norgwegian Christmas cookies which Wikipedia says "are popular in Norway and the Midwest"